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Artscene Sign up now for guitar, bass, drums, and piano OAKVILLE'S MUSIC STORE · WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2009 25 FILE PHOTOS BY NIKKI WESLEY AND LIESA KORTMANN / OAKVILLE BEAVER SINGING SENSATIONS: It has been a year filled with concerts for the Oakville Children's Choir. Clockwise from left, Blair Somerville (front), Alina Widell (left) and Jessica Cooper perform at Jewels and Blue Jeans in Februrary, (left to right) Monet Slinowsky, Clara McNamee, and Jessica Gibson and (bottom right) Jason Finlay sing Oscar Peterson's Hymn to Freedom during a vocal workshop in October, and Samantha Conte (back), Kate Ingman (centre) and Robert O'Halloran perform at an anti-bullying event called Stand Tall and Speak Out last month. Starry, snowy, song-filled holiday season for children's choir By Tina Depko OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and the Oakville Children's Choir is enjoying an eventful performance schedule as a result. The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for the children's chorus. Besides their many engagements at private events and with other musical organizations, such as the Oakville Symphony Orchestra, the group will be giving three concerts of its own in December. The first two are under the title Snowflakes, Songs and Stars. They will be held Friday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. Five of the group's choirs will be performing in the intimate concert space of St. John's United Church, 262 Randall St. These concerts will feature an array of seasonal music from various musical periods. "There is going to be quite a mix, from Renaissance carols to 20th century carols and songs," said Sarah Morrison, music director of the Oakville Children's Choir. "There is also a lot of Canadian composers. Not every piece on the program is a Christmas carol, so there is non-Christmas repertoire. It will appeal to all. You don't have to celebrate Christmas to enjoy the concert." Some of the most beloved holiday pieces A highlight of the concert is the performwill be on the program, such as Hark the ance of three settings of the Ave Maria. Soprano Charlene Pauls, who is the choir's Herald Angels Sing, The Huron Carol, Deck vocal coach, will sing the very popular the Halls, Joy to the World and many more. "This concert has a strong community feel Schubert arrangement. Pauls is pursuing doctoral studies in vocal performance at the because of the participation," said Morrison. University of Toronto. She will be singing sev- "There will be up to eight carols the audience eral other pieces with the choir at the early can sing with us." This year is special because the December concerts. The Oakville Children Choir's membership Community Carol Sing is featuring A Chorus of Voices as guests. currently stands at 105. A Chorus of Voices is a There are six choirs draw- "I think people will be children's choir formed as ing from this group. This surprised how professional an after-school music proyear's new addition is the and talented these young gram under the banner of Little Notes choir, which is people are." ArtHouse, a non-profit for four and five year olds. Five choirs will be per- Sarah Morrison charitable corporation created in late 2008. The forming at the seasonal Music director group is represented by a concerts. The Little Notes will wait to make their debut in the spring at total of 22 children from Oakwood Public School in Grades 1-5. the May concert. The Oakville Children's Choir has a conThe third public concert for the Oakville Children's Choir -- the Community Carol nection to A Chorus of Voices, as it lends the Sing -- will be held on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 3 ensemble music from its library. The group will be performing three nump.m. This is a favourite seasonal event of the Oakville community. The public will have the bers, including one solo piece led by Diana chance to sing along with some of the choir's Isherwood, music director, and two with the favourite carols. Oakville organist, Andrei children's choir. "We're really excited to be inviting another Streliaev will be featured playing the magnificent Cassavant organ of the John Bell Chapel choir to perform with us," Morrison said. "We call this a community concert and we wanted at Appleby College, 540 Lakeshore Rd. W. to reflect that. It is a great group and such an awesome program. This is the very first concert for this group." Morrison said the three holiday concerts are great for the family. "I think we have something for everyone," said Morrison. "It can be very inspirational to see singers as young as six and seven singing choral repertoire. It is neat to see what music can do and enjoy its beauty. I think people will be surprised how professional and talented these young people are." While the first major snowfall has yet to arrive, the choir is already thinking of summer. The senior and chamber choirs of the group, which consist of just under 40 singers, are preparing material for their weeklong trip to Greece in July, where they will compete in the 28th International Choir Festival of Prevza (Greece) and the 16th International Competition of Sacred Music. Tickets to Snowflakes, Songs and Stars on Dec. 4-5 cost $25 for adults, $20 for students and $15 for seniors and children. Tickets to the Community Carol Sing on Dec. 12 cost $15. A family ticket costs $50 and includes two adults, three children or seniors. Tickets may be purchased at the door, but are recommended to be purchased in advance online at www.oakvillechildrenschoir.org.